LowBudget Records is proud to announce the release of “ARC” [LBCD64], a collection of adult pop-rock tunes, swirling mini-instrumentals, and two hypnotic remixes. Proudly produced by PASTICHE [Ken Scales: multi-vocals, keyboards; Ron Marinick: keyboards, piano, samplers; Mr. Curt: guitars, keyboards, vocals, fx; and Brad Hallen: electric & acoustic basses], and Ray Boy Fernandes & Doctor X (Tim Casey), it brings their past essence into a totally contemporary context.
The current “yes-we-can” atmosphere permeated the sessions and we have an older & wiser group demonstrating their democratic possiblities.....all of the new tunes were the combined efforts of Mssrs. Marinick, Naihersey, & Scales (with the exception of a new arrangement of “Clean Life”, an earlier past effort composed with Mssr. Hallen). All of the instrumentation was created by the group, with the fabulous assistance of Mssr. Fernandes on big beat drums & programming/sampling and Mssr. X on keyboards & programming/sampling.
Now that this first step has been accomplished, in what manner can we expect some future endeavor? Only time will tell who has fell and who’s been left behind! Past tense is over only if you want it. Relax and enjoy the music of the moment.
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Reviews:
In case anyone was wondering if Pastiche would live up to their mythical reputation on their new release, “Arc”, wonder no more. They have! This is exciting, innovative new music produced by some of Boston’s well-known musicians: singer-synthesist Ken Scales, guitarist-singer Mr. Curt (Naihersey), keyboardist Ron Marinick, and bassist Brad Hallen. Piano lines, synthesizers and whirring keyboards abound on the resurrected band’s new CD. This is not your typical Boston garage-band fodder, but rather, carefully crafted arrangements textured with magnificent sound bytes. Audiophiles will be in their glory with the quantity of ear candy Pastiche passes out on these thirteen songs. In fact, if you’re not careful, you could quite easily overdose on the shear volume of aural massaging Pastiche manages to dole out. Spectacular in every way. Tim Casey should also be commended for his clever sound manipulations and overall audio production talents. Welcome back Pastiche. Where have you been and what took you so long to come back home? [contact - www.lowbudgetrecords.com
]- Doug Sloan / Hearings / METRONOME Magazine - May, 2009
Considering the “yes-we-can” attitude of Pastiche, Arc is a burst of creative energy, improvisational at times. As ’70s and early ’80s veterans of the scene, this recording marks the band’s first since their split in 1983. As purely adult pop rock, each of these tracks could fit easily into mainstream radio. “My Father/His Son,” “You’re On My Side” and “Wrong Road Home” combine appealing arrangements with simple, straightforward lyrics that are easily relatable to listeners. “Appetito” and “Say & Do” are just a few of the many instrumentals, in which the band exhibits a dynamic, theatrical approach. The Doctor X remixes of “Wrong Road Home” and “...The Ocean… The Sky” weren’t particularly to my liking, as I found them overdone. As “bonus” tracks, they were too adventurous for my taste—the electronic elements being overwhelming. On the whole, Arc is a solid, entertaining effort. One wonders if Pastiche is now here to stay.
- Julia R. DeStefano / THE NOISE - April, 2009
This CD marks another chapter in Mr. Curt's long and interesting Boston music story. At this point he has picked up the threads of Pastiche and produced a fine effort. Mr. Curt is a great team player and has worked with too many people to name here but his work with Ken Scales was a highlight. Ken brings his own brand of drama to all his recorded and stage efforts.
Well, they still bring the magic to their co-written songs (along with band mate Ron Marinick) and that's what I was looking for. A moody atmosphere colors and unites the CD and makes it perfect for repeat listenings. Songs alternate with minute synth interludes. The overall sound is keyboard/synthesizer. Even in the 80's Pastiche songs were a more finished product than most and that inclination is further enhanced by the good work they did in the studios here.
My three favorite cuts were recorded at Ray Boy Fernandes' studio in Everett. Ray made a host of bands sound good on his History of Boston Rock. If I were in a band, I'd head there.
Members of LowBudget Records further helped this effort especially Doctor X (Tim Casey). There is a lot of creative energy and interesting projects coming out of Low Budget Records. Mr. Curt hints that more Pastiche CD's may happen and that's a welcome thought. This is quality stuff.
- Blowfish / BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS - March, 2009
